Police spokesman Anders Stroemsaether told public broadcaster NRK that the incident started before boarding when two foreign passengers were overheard arguing in an airport toilet. He said other passengers heard the word "bomb" being used and told the captain as they boarded the aircraft.

The captain informed police who evacuated the plane and brought the two passengers in for questioning.

Police said on Twitter that nothing suspicious had been found at the airport and the two passengers were discharged.

They said: "After questioning of witnesses and those brought in, the police have concluded that the situation is a result of a misunderstanding."

The incident came hours after a fake bomb was found at Manchester United's football stadium, prompting police to call off a Premier League match.